Last weekend we decided to take a last minute trip to California to visit some old friends Lee and Ginger Akin and their girls Ani and Maggie. Lee and Tyler were best friends all through high school and college. They came to visit us last year so this year it was our turn to go to their house. It's only about a 5 hour drive so we jumped in the car late Friday afternoon. We got to their house and chatted for a minute, but then got back in the car for about another hour. We went to stay in a hotel that night that was closer to the beach. We finally went to bed that night about 1:30am and then Tyler and Lee got up at 4:30am to go surfing. I guess you have to catch the waves early. This was Tyler's first time going surfing. He said it was pretty tiering, but he had a good time. Ginger and I and the kids slept in and then we all got ready and headed to the beach too. As soon as we got there we lathered up the sunscreen and instead of heading to the ocean, Brady headed straight for the sand.
Oh what fun! He and Cole had never been to the beach before and within seconds, they were both covered in sand. The water was pretty cold compared to what we are used to so they didn't like being dunked in the ocean to wash it all off. Plus Cole was terrified that the ocean was full of sharks that were out to eat him. I think the boys had fun, but were so tired from traveling and what not that they both fell asleep for a lot of the afternoon. That make it nice for me to be able to sit peacefully on the beach just people watching and listening to the ocean. That night we went back to Lee and Ginger's. The next day we just hung out, played the Wii for way too long, and then had a fun bbq at the park.
No better way of spending time with friends. Thanks to Lee and Ginger and their girls for being perfect hosts! We had a wonderful time!
Since we were already in California and only another hour or so away we decided to take the next two days and head to Sea World. The boys and I had never been there and Tyler hadn't been there for like 15 years so we were really excited! We got there and Cole became the designated tour guide. He was always obsessed with looking at the map. The first place we went was the Sesame Street Play land. They both loved this place! They had a blast bouncing and climbing and running around with like a million other kids. They also got to meet a few of the Sesame Street characters. Brady was so excited to meet Ernie and Elmo! Cole was still a little unsure about them, even though we tried to explain to him that they were just people dressed up.
So after letting the kids get rid of some energy we headed to the shows. Cole was so funny on this trip because at every show he would start whining that he did not want to get wet! He said he didn't want to have to change his clothes. Whatever! So we always sat up a little higher. No biggie, we could see perfectly from almost every seat. I think their favorite show was of course Shamu! We ended up going to this show twice. Tyler and I loved it too!
Our other favorite show was the Pets Rule! They take a bunch of rescued animals and teach them to do all sorts of tricks. They had dogs, cats, geese, pigs, and birds. It was fun to see everyday pets doing funny things. My kids love animals so this was a really good one!
For the last part of the second day we went on all of the rides. Of course all the kid rides just go in circles, so Tyler and I were pretty much sick, but the boys loved it! There is only one big ride for adults. Since Tyler and I couldn't go together without someone to watch the kids, Tyler took Cole with him first and then hopefully he would go again with me.
You could tell Cole was very nervous, but didn't ever say that he didn't want to go. This is Sea World so you know they are going to get wet. Cole still obviously didn't like that part of it, but after said it was his favorite. While waiting for them, Brady screamed the entire time for daddy. I think everyone around us thought I was kidnapping him or something because he was so upset and so loud! Needless to say by the time Tyler and Cole got done riding the Journey to Atlantis ride - I was done and it was time to go home! All in all, minus the last episode, we had a blast and can't wait to go again!
Yesterday was Cole's first day of Kindergarten. Here he is looking so handsome. He was really excited when he woke up and couldn't wait to get to school. When I went and picked him up he told me he made a new friend so I asked him what his name was and he said no mom, HER name is Makenzie. That's what I'm talking about - always the ladies man!
I couldn't leave Brady out of this - he is just as excited for school as Cole is. Of course he wants to be just like big brother so here he is sporting his new backpack thinking he is going to school too.
